Things I miss

Although I am really happy to be living in New Zealand again, I have to admit that there are things that I miss about America.

I miss.....

Cheap gas.  Seriously, you think you have it bad?!  Try $2.20 per liter!  That's over $8.00 per gallon.  Yup.  Americans are spoiled even with the "high" gas prices.

Knowing where to find things in the grocery store.

Instinctively walking past a person the the correct side (Kiwis drive on the other side of the road, and they walk on the other side as well).  I find myself swimming against the tide in malls, on stairs in the grocery aisles.

Central heating.  I've learned to layer even inside and wear slippers (Richard's because mine are still on a ship somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean).

Being the one without an accent.  Sometimes I hesitate to speak (yeah, big surprise, I know) because I don't want to have to answer the same old questions about where I'm from, why I'm here etc.   Also, even though they speak English in New Zealand, the terminology is different.

Understanding the health system.  As messed up as it is, the US health system is easier to navigate than the system here where public and private health cover different situations and different doctors.  

Reid and Quinn Celebrate 6

Reid and Quinn had a really great birthday. They seemed to be very happy with their presents. They have been asking for a monster cake for weeks and I tried to oblige-making it look as much like the picture in their favorite Charlie and Lola book. We had lots of family over for lunch and the party lasted late into the afternoon. We left the house before all of the guests because we wanted to get to the beach before dark.

Our New House

We have decided to move to Matakana and live on a "farm".  Here is the description from the real estate web site:  "Superb family living.  Large house with four bedrooms, great indoor/outdoor flow, north facing, warm and sunny.  Plenty of lawn for children, lovely garden, outside decks and barbecue area, private on a 1.08ha section (3 acres) with room for a pony to graze.  Great amenities in this rural area and on a quiet cul de sac.  Terrific beaches, parks, golf courses, wineries and sports facilities handy."

The kids will be going to a country school:  www.matakana.school.nz

The dream is becoming reality.

An Afternoon at the Beach

We have had really wonderful weather since we arrived.  Today is the first gloomy day.  Not bad for a New Zealand winter.  So, we've been to the beach at least 4 times.  Here are some shots of the family at Long Bay, which is near Richard's parents' house.

The Simpson Grandsons

Reid in front of MERC, the Marine Education and Resource Centre.
Quinn on his first night in New Zealand.  Cozy in his pj's and new robe (dressing gown).

Kip fulfilling a "life long" dream of having a lemonade stand.  The lemonade was made from backyard lemons and was excellent!  His profits were minimal even though he sold every last drop.

Cousin Jack being subjected to the sort of photo shoot posing that 10 week old babies tend to be subjected to.
 

We're Leaving On A Jet Plane

Waiting to board and looking at our plane.
Our Boeing 777

Plugged in to the entertainment system and very happy about having their own remote controls.  Quinn didn't understand that you have to push one button at a time and then wait before pressing the next one.  The flight crew had to reset his system 2 times until I hid his remote.
We left San Francisco on Thursday 29 May and arrived in Auckland on Saturday 31 May.  The boys were amazing on the plane.  I think they were all so excited that they didn't realise what was actually happening.  They had their own personal entertainment systems with movies, TV shows, games and music.  The best part was not so much WHAT they got to watch, but that they had total control over their OWN remote.   They also slept a fair amount.  Which meant that I actually got a few hours of sleep myself.  Makes for a less fuzzy experience with customs, immigration, baggage claim, sniffing drug dogs.  It was weird for me to arrive in New Zealand with my family who are all citizens.  Made me feel a bit second-class.